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Gwyl Jazz Abersoch Jazz Festival 2010
Dymyna Cymdeithas Jazz Abersoch ddiolch i'r noddwyr ac i bawb arall am eu cefnogaeth i'r Wyl.
The Abersoch Jass Festival Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors and all who have supported this Festival.
White Stuff
Harold Roberts
Latest News
We welcome people to come along and consider being volunteers/helpers for the 2011 10th anniversary and hopefully beyond to keep jazz alive in Abersoch.
If you are interested please join us on the above date. If you would still like to help please get in touch with Avril 01758712000 or Jan 01758712229
Abersoch Jazz Festival Report – ‘The show is over’ but the memories live on; another fantastic festival of fun, friendship and great music. The wonderful musicians did everyone proud with their talent, enthusiasm and commitment to playing the many varieties of jazz. There was jazz for all ages played by all ages.
The 9th annual Abersoch Jazz Festival got underway on Monday June 7th with two days of jazz workshops held at the four local primary schools. On the Wednesday the Jazz Poster competition entries were put up for exhibition in the village hall. There were 163 entries and the standard was higher than ever before. On Thursday night ‘Dr. Jazz’ and special guests provided the first music session in the Riverside marquee. In line with this years theme of ‘mix and match’ the aim was to promote live jazz and its rich range and wide variety, for example jazz for young or old, from local or international bands, jazz you can dance to, or jazz you should simply sit and listen to, and modern and traditional styles too.
Friday kicked off the full weekend of non-stop music at the same time as the World Cup, needless to say the music was more successful than the England team! Sunshine and fair weather greeted the hundreds of music lovers as they flocked to the festival, a small shower on Sunday afternoon did not dampen spirits! Abersoch played host to some of the worlds most talented jazz musicians who took to the stage at a variety of venues from the Riverside Marquee to the beach! Musicians had travelled from Denmark, France, Holland and America as well as from all over the U.K to participate in the festival.
Bands and soloists new to the event provided some unexpected ‘treats’ ! Good Time Jazz from France were a great hit with their amazing repertoire and spontaneous wit, Tailor Maid had everyone up dancing and singing; Before and After were the ‘surprise package’ and one of the Festival favourites with a mix of talented musicians and soloists. ‘Gentleman Jim’ McIntosh and Trefor ‘Fingers’ Williams gave their all as the ‘Befores’ and a variety of young, already famous soloists provided the ‘Afters’. Slide by Slide not only provided music led by two trombones but the banter was hilarious – a great show. ‘Wandering Minstrels’ soloing at the festival for the first time , Paul Harrison, Graham Hughes, Trefor ‘Fingers’ Williams, ‘Gentleman Jim’ McIntosh and Adrian Cox, popped up all over the place throughout the weekend keeping jazz fans ‘on their toes’ and giving a hundred and ten percent. James Evans bought a stunningly good band ‘Rocket Four’ – not the one advertised. We were delighted when the Gambit Jazzmen turned up with the wonderful Chris Tyle from New Orleans, USA on cornet. Band leader Pete Lay has always done us proud. Another unexpected treat was when young reedsman Liam Byrne, 2010 award winner, came along just to join in and enjoy playing different styles.
Crowds of people lined the streets to watch the annual colourful ‘Mardi-Gras’ type parade lead by the Pen Llyn Lusitano Stallions and admire the display of unique Lotus cars. The festival was brought to a close with three storming sessions of music and dancing from T.J Johnson and his band, Red Stripe Show Band and The Blue Magnolia Jazz Orchestra – who were joined by the Good Time Jazz Band from France for their finale. The Music ended but the children from the four local primary schools eagerly awaited results of the Jazz Poster Competition, which is always judged after the weekend visitors have viewed all the posters. The three judges had a difficult task deciding the winners but also had the delight of presenting the prizes to the winners.
When asking one of the Jazz Festival visitors if she had enjoyed her weekend she responded ‘I had a great weekend but each time I sit down I fall asleep, I’ve lost my voice from cheering and my arms ache from all the clapping. The festival should really come with a health and safety warning!’ The festival committee really appreciate both the financial support they receive, and people’s precious time given to support the organisation. We sincerely thank the grant funders, sponsors, volunteers, visitors, especially those who travelled over the Welsh Mountains, local community and the wonderful musicians, without whom there would not be a festival.
The Abersoch Jazz Festival celebrates its special 10th anniversary from 10th to the 12th June 2011, and we look forward to celebrating and enjoying it with you as we continue to ensure the future of Jazz music. May Update – Unfortunately Dave Wasket, the trumpeter with the Gambit Jazzmen is unable to come to the Festival. However we are very lucky , band leader Pete Lay is bringing Chris Tyle as a special featured player. It is an opportunity to hear this wonderful multitalented musician over in the UK from New Orleans.
Isabel Toner is disappointed at being unable to host the special jam session with Malcolm. They have made it a highlight of the Festival that gives opportunities for all musicians to ‘have a go’! Isabel is now resident bass player with the Blue Magnolia Jass Band owing to the sad death of Jones. The two sessions overlapped and could not be changed. Trefor ‘fingers’ Williams stepped into the breach and he will also be delivering some of his ‘caring words of wisdom’ at the Gospel Service. Dr Jazz aim to use a theme based on ‘the great old crooners’ during the weekend, eg. Tony Bennett, Sinatra. Should make good, easy listening. Mr Neil Hopkins has kindly framed and donated a rare original poster for the raffle. It is from the Llangollen Jazz Festival of 1987 and is signed by many of the renowned musicians who were appearing such as Humphrey Littleton. Please note The Cove at the SCYC is under new management and there will not be any food after 2.30pm. So many young people participate in the event through the schools and village hall workshops, jazz poster exhibition, Gospel Service, young musicians contracted and the Parade. The Parade will again comprise of two marshals and bands, Luisitano horses, Sea Cadets and hopefully lots of decorated hats and brollies. The Lotus Car Club of Cheshire promise us more beautiful cars and new models on display before the OFF! The Committee really appreciate all the support from Grant Funders, Sponsors, the hard working volunteers, the local community, talented musicians and our welcome visitors and friends. Thank you so much, we could not do without you. Amazingly 2011 is our 10th Anniversary and we will make it extra special. Dates for the diary 10th June 2011 to 12th June 2011. Unfortunately Second Line Jazz band from Sweden will not be here in September but look out for news of a winter gig.
April Update – Now, into April, we continue to wet your appetites for the ‘fantabulous’ music we have in store for your delight, by adding pictures of some more of the artists (secured at great expense!!!) who will be new to Abersoch this year.
Not new, but ever popular, the highly talented Mr Tom Kincaid will be present as a soloist and a band member. He will be featured, with other soloists during band breaks on Friday afternoon, when, for the first time, we will have two sessions. We also have a ‘wandering minstrel’ – the amazing Mr Adrian Cox - who will be appearing randomly throughout the festival – don’t miss him! BUSKERS, please come and participate in the sessions at The Vaynol. All styles of music are welcome, e.g. skiffle, folk, R&B, country &western - they would add a new dimension to the festival. Though primarily a top jazz music festival, you will notice that several bands travelling from abroad are once again bringing their World Cup football flags and colours to add to the occasion. We might even, once again, have a repeat of our own world cup match on the main beach! News Update – Hot off the Press –
Marcia Pendlebury is coming as a soloist instead of with her Quartet, and James Evans is bringing his new band, the ‘James Evans Rocket Four’.
Also, this year, there will be a ‘wealth of trombones’ at Abersoch!
Keep watching this space!!
The Abersoch Jazz Committee would like to thank all of you who took the trouble to fill in one of our event questionnaires at last year’s Festival. We assure you each one is read, discussed and action taken where possible. Constructive criticism and satisfied comments are really appreciated, we smile, scream or cry accordingly!!!
The 2010 Festival will take on board as much as possible but, as any other event organisers will know, increasing bureaucracy, ‘club members’ at venues, volunteer lack of time and economical hurdles are sometimes impossible to clear!
Firstly, many congratulations to three of the young musicians who have appeared regularly over the last few years at the Abersoch Jazz Festival, for winning places in the British Jazz Awards 2009. Amy Roberts was 1st and Jamie Brownfield 5th in the rising star category. Jamie’s Quintet was 4th in the New CD category and James Evans was 4th in the clarinet section. Secondly, what is new for the Festival 2010? – a new theme and great musicians appearing for the first time in Abersoch alongside the established favourites. The ‘Mix and Max’ theme aims to promote wonderful live jazz and showcase its’ rich range and wide variety: some examples are Trad/Modern, Young/Old, Solo/Big Band, sit and Listen/ get up and Dance! Bands new to Abersoch are the brilliant ‘Good Time Jazz’ from France; the very entertaining ‘Slide by Slide’; ‘Tailor Maid’ and exciting 11 piece Rhythm and Blues Soul Band, ‘Before and After’, a special surprise mix of talented musicians and finally to confuse us all James Evans is bringing a new band – not the one advertised in the flyer!
Special soloists new to the event are Paul Harrison (reeds) all the way from Denmark, Graham Hughes (trombone and occasional double bass/vocals) and Trefor ‘Fingers’ Williams (double bass) travelling up from the London area. We are thrilled to be welcoming returning bands, the very professional Mart Rodgers Manchester Jazz and popular Liverpool based the Blue Magnolia Jass Orchestra. Our favourite local bands, who offer an amazing range of sounds from Gypsy jazz, Zideco, Swing, Trad, Mainstream, Dixieland to Brass Band will be performing for you all again – we are lucky to have so much talent in the area. All this would not be complete without the two ‘travelling’ bands, central to the Festival from the start in 2001, our young friends from Holland, the Oriental Jazz Band (with families and jazz fans!) and the swinging sound of TJ Johnson and his band from London. This year the tickets were ready for purchase in November! So get the “early bird” strollers before they all go. Be there or be square – to sit, listen, dance or parade with your brolly. Come and enjoy keeping Jazz very much alive. Nearly all the bands and soloists have really interesting websites so in your “spare time” before the Festival do go on line, have a look and see what treats there in store for June 10th to 13th.
Photos courtesy of Barry Kesterton.
Keeping the tradition of Jazz alive in Abersoch
The 2nd Line Jazz Band from Sweden played to a full house at 5 Degrees West, on 18 .09.2009. Hopefully, they will be “over here from over there” once again in September 2010 – an opportunity not to be missed. |
